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World heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis stars in Spirit of Youth. Often mistakenly referred to as a biography of Louis, the film is actually the fictional story of aspiring boxer Joe Thomas, who hopes to make millions in the ring. He does, but as consequence he falls into the hands of a predatory nightclub singer (Edna Mae Harris). Only after the femme fatale stomps on Joe's heart and smashes that sucker flat does he return to his virginal childhood sweetheart (Mae Turner). Clarence Muse and Mantan Moreland contribute excellent performances as, respectively, Joe's manager and best friend. Initially aimed at the "all-colored" theaters of the era, The Spirit of Youth proved popular enough to receive bookings in white movie houses. (AMG) |
